introduCtion
Jamie Cook, Angling Trust & Fish Legal CEO
Angling clubs and fisheries are the lifeblood of our sport and as the National Governing Body we do everything we can to support them both nationally and at grass roots level. This Clubs & Fisheries Services Handbook outlines how we can support you through advice, resources, and practical help. Much of our work to support clubs and fisheries is assisted with funding from Fishing Licence income through our delivery contract with the Environment Agency. Where this is the case, we have flagged it on the relevant page. However, many of the ways we engage with clubs is not funded through Fishing Licence income and that includes our work to fight against pollution, over-abstraction, angling bans and other threats to our sport. The key way we fund this essential work is through the membership fees paid by clubs, fisheries, organisations, angling trade partners and individuals
If your club or fishery is not a member of the Angling Trust, please consider joining us. The Angling Trust & Fish Legal offer a range of membership options to angling clubs, syndicates and fisheries. Not only will you be supporting our work to protect fish, fishing
Further Information
and the environment, you will automatically benefit from our industry-leading member insurance package with a liability limit of £10 million.
Our fisheries category includes Fish Legal membership as standard but clubs can also take out Fish Legal membership and receive expert legal advice on angling and fishery related matters. Fish Legal can take legal action on your behalf against pollution and other environmental damage or threats to your club or fishery, meeting the cost and passing on 100% of any compensation won.
Thank you for your support of the Angling Trust and Fish Legal. Whether you are a club, fishery or individual angler, I hope you can clearly see how we are making a difference with the investment you make in us.
For Club or Syndicate Membership: anglingtrust.net/memberships/clubs-syndicates/ or scan the QR code: For Fishery Membership: anglingtrust.net/memberships/fisheries/ or scan the QR code: For Individual Membership: anglingtrust.net/memberships/individual/ or scan the QR code:
Clubs & Fisheries Membership
The Angling Trust offers a range of membership options to angling clubs, syndicates, match-fishing teams, commercial fisheries and owners of private fishing rights on rivers or stillwaters.
One of the key benefits is that all members are covered by our industry-leading insurance package with a liability limit of £10 million. The cover includes: public liability, employer’s liability, trustee’s liability and more. In most cases the cost of joining is less than the cost your club or fishery would pay for this level of essential insurance cover if bought independently, so it’s a sensible reason for every club and fishery in the country to be members of the Trust.
As well as our comprehensive insurance package you will also become part of our angling family and we are there for you
when you need us. We support clubs every day with issues from simple advice about fundraising, to mounting major campaigns to stop angling bans on their waters. When you join, your membership will help fund our essential campaigns fighting for fish, fishing and the environment and help us promote angling to a whole new generation. There are so many reasons to join the Angling Trust, this brochure details many of them, but we have also negotiated a number of very useful discounts with companies who supply goods and services to fisheries, so that you may well find that the savings cover the cost of your membership anyway.
If you’re not a member yet, we’d love to have you join our fishing family. If you’re already members, thank you for your support, we appreciate it.
For more information on the benefits and cost of joining go to our website: anglingtrust.net/membership/#membership-types or scan the QR code:
If you’d prefer to chat things through, then call our Membership team on 0343 507 7006
Fish leGal
Fish Legal
Fish Legal is a unique membership association using the law to fight pollution and protect fish stocks on behalf of its members throughout the UK. It is united in a collaborative relationship with the Angling Trust, the national representative body for angling in England.
Fish Legal has successfully fought everyone from rogue farmers to multinational corporations on behalf of its members, even in cases where the authorities have decided to take no action. We fight pollution cases against companies large and small and 100% of the compensation we secure is put back where it is most needed: with the angling clubs and fishery owners affected so that they can restore their fisheries.
What support will I receive as a Fish Legal member?
Direct access to lawyers specialising in environmental and fisheries law
The full cost of barristers and expert scientists if they are needed to fight your case
Who can join Fish Legal?
The protection of a ‘fighting fund’ that has been built up through members’ subscriptions, donations and legacies over several decades
The costs of paying the other side’s legal costs in the unlikely event that your case is lost in court
Access to a large range of factsheets on common legal issues affecting fisheries and angling clubs including disability law, health and safety, navigation law, GDPR and pitfalls to look out for in leases and licences
Fish Legal uses the civil law to take legal action on behalf of members who hold fishing rights. If you are an angling club, a federation that owns fishing rights, a syndicate, a riparian owner, a commercial fishery owner or a charter boat owner, you are eligible for legal action through your membership of Fish Legal. If you are an individual member, you do not receive this benefit, but your valued support and subscription are vital to help fund the work we do.
Is membership value for money?
In comparison to the hourly rates charged by solicitors advising in private practice, and the huge costs involved in taking civil claims to trial at court, Fish Legal membership is excellent value for money. The price paid for an annual membership subscription is much less than the cost of a few hours of these legal services elsewhere, and membership removes the risk of paying the other side’s costs if you lose a claim.
Join fish Legal: Contact the membership team on 01568 620447 or email admin@fishlegal.net Full details about membership rates can be found at: www.fishlegal.net/join-us or scan the QR code:
health & saFety
Health & Safety
Ensuring your club or fishery has a clear health and safety policy in place is increasingly important and we are here to help guide you and inform you of what is required.
A fishery, club or riparian owner providing a service for anglers and others has a duty of care to staff, volunteers, customers and members.
This duty of care is defined as ‘a moral or legal obligation to ensure the safety or wellbeing of others’. It means you must take all reasonable measures to protect those using your fishery or members of your club, from foreseeable harm.
This may appear onerous, but your duty of care can easily be discharged if you take all reasonable steps to mitigate for, or raise awareness of, any hazards that could result in harm.
We have put together a comprehensive suite of guidance that will further explain your responsibilities, the legislation and how it may apply to you, cover the basic steps of Risk Assessment, and likely hazards.
Essential resources for Clubs and Fisheries
Volunteering
Volunteers are the life blood of angling. There isn’t an angling club in the land that doesn’t depend on volunteers in one form or another to keep them running and there is every chance that you are nodding along as you read this because you are a volunteer yourself! Whether it’s committee members, bailiffs, work parties, or website and social media helpers, volunteers are essential but subject to certain legislation.
For this reason, angling organisations must be aware of the legalities and ethics involved, protecting both the organisation and volunteer. An awareness of best practice will better equip clubs to provide the best volunteering experience.
This guide covers the key aspects of working with volunteers, providing advice, and signposting further information.
Download a copy: anglingtrust.net/wp-content/ uploads/2023/05/GV01-Volunteer-BestPractice-Guidance-for-Clubs-v2.0-Apr-231.pdf
The following documents can be accessed via the Clubs and Fisheries Resources section of the Angling Trust website, or by scanning the QR codes:
Health & Safety Handbook anglingtrust.net/wp-content/ uploads/2022/05/PD36a-HealthSafety-Handbook-Angling-TrustFish-Legal-Jan-2022.pdf
Health & Safety Guidance Notes anglingtrust.net/wp-content/ uploads/2022/05/Health-SafetyGuidance-Notes.pdf
Detailed Risk Assessment anglingtrust.net/wp-content/ uploads/2023/01/Angling-TrustRisk-Assessment.docx
For further information visit the Clubs and Fisheries Resources section of the Angling Trust website: anglingtrust.net/club-resources/ or scan the QR code:
Get FishinG and Get FishinG Fund
Get Fishing
If your club or fishery want to encourage new people to get involved in fishing, why not become a part of our Get Fishing Campaign?
Get Fishing is the Angling Trust’s campaign to get more people fishing, more often. Each year we support hundreds of Get Fishing events for all ages and abilities. With the support of our nationwide community of delivery partners, volunteers and coaches we have introduced tens of thousands of newcomers to the joy of fishing and the wonders and wellbeing benefits of our sport.
If you want to get involved, our professional team will help guide you through the process, support you with safeguarding, apply for rod licence waivers and help ensure that your events are well publicised and attended.
The campaign is funded by the Environment Agency from fishing licence income, and Sport England through our role as National Governing Body. Get Fishing is also proudly supported by Shakespeare, Exclusive Tackle Partner and Angling Direct, Exclusive Retail Partner as we all work towards getting more people fishing, more often.
Get Fishing Fund
Launched in 2020, the Get Fishing Fund has already awarded £300,000 of Environment Agency fishing licence income to over 200 angling clubs, fisheries, charities and schools. This has been used to buy equipment to run events and activities that help thousands of people get into fishing.
“The funding enabled the charity to deliver angling activities to children and young people who have disabilities or additional needs. It’s been a huge success with over 100 children and young people taking part in a sport they never thought they would have been able to.”
Chris Hepburn, POINT Activities Manager
“The Get Fishing Fund meant Exeter and District Angling Association could buy enough tackle to run over 30 Get Fishing Awards. By the end of these events, it’s genuinely exciting to see people of all ages and backgrounds have become confident anglers. What a great result for angling!”
Roly Palmer, Licenced Level 2 Angling Coach
If you want to get involved with the Get Fishing campaign, or require any help with participation events contact one of our regional officers at: anglingtrust.net/getfishing/ contact-us/ or scan the QR code:
The Get Fishing Fund is administered by the Angling Trust and funded by the Environment Agency with sales of fishing licences. Find out more at: www.anglingtrust.net/get-fishingfund or scan the QR code:
Photo credit: Get Hooked on Fishing
Get FishinG For wellbeinG & we Fish as one
Get Fishing for Wellbeing
Anglers already know how beneficial fishing is at boosting mental health and wellbeing. Our Get Fishing for Wellbeing project provides information and advice to Health Service Professionals and Community Link Workers about what fishing can offer their projects and services.
We believe that everyone can benefit in some way from spending time outdoors, next to our fantastic waterways. Angling has proven itself to be a great remedy for many health conditions and is often the only form of exercise that some people are able to take part in – especially those with chronic health issues.
Clubs and fisheries can get involved by becoming a ‘Get Fishing for Wellbeing –Approved Partner’. We can help clubs and fisheries to become recognised as a provider of angling opportunities for those in need of health support – and in some cases, depending on availability, offer or help you to find funding required to carry out any of the necessities that being a recognised provider of social prescribing requires.
We Fish as One
We Fish as One is the Angling Trust’s long term inclusivity campaign to harness the power of fishing as a community building activity, so that people from all backgrounds can experience the life-changing effects of angling.
Anyone can take part and enjoy angling’s many and varied benefits, but while our sport is accessible in practical terms there’s more we can do – both collectively and individually – to tackle inequalities so that fishing really is for everyone.
With the support of fishing clubs, fisheries, partners, and individuals within the angling community, We Fish as One has already established more links with women, ethnic minorities, LGBQT+ people, migrants, those with physical or mental health conditions and people from disabled, and disadvantaged communities.
If your club or fishery would like to get involved please contact your Regional Angling Development Officer: anglingtrust. net/getfishing/contact-us/
For further details please visit: anglingtrust.net/getfishing/ getfishingforwellbeing/ or contact Dean Asplin, Angling Development Manager (South) on 07854 239731 or dean.asplin@anglingtrust.net or scan the QR code:
For more information on quick and easy ways to support the #WeFishAsOne campaign and highlight fishing as a social and community building activity go to: www.anglingtrust.net/we-fish-asone or scan the QR code:
the anGlinG iMproVeMent Fund
The Angling Improvement Fund
The Angling Improvement Fund re-invests income from fishing licence sales on projects that benefit anglers across England. It is run and administered by the Angling Trust on behalf of the Environment Agency using fishing licence income.
The fund opens for applications twice a year with two different themes:
One focuses on Preventing Predation of fish stocks by mammals and fish-eating birds.
Projects could include:
Otter proof fences
Fish refuges
Mannequins
Suitable lasers
Visual deterrents
Auditory deterrents
Who can apply
The second focuses on Biosecurity and preventing the spread of Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS).
Projects could include:
Pesticide application courses
Washdown facilities to contain INNS to site
Cleaning equipment such as pressure washers, boot scrubs and net dips
Equipment to manage INNS on site such as brush cutters, strimmers and knapsack sprayers
Measures to help control invasive weed
Any angling club, association, fishery, not-for-profit organisation, charity, school, local council etc. All applicants must be based in England as funding comes from English Fishing Licence income.
How to apply
Details of each round are advertised in the angling media and on the Angling Trust website. There is an online application form to complete which is supported by a set of guidance notes.
For further details please contact: aifadmin@anglingtrust.net or phone 07495 433626 anglingtrust.net/funding/aif/ or scan the QR code:
anGlinG trust ForuMs
Angling Trust Forums
The historically successful Angling Trust Fisheries Forums have now moved exclusively online.
The Angling Trust’s Fisheries Forums are an exclusively online information resource which extend a nationwide opportunity for engagement, learning and collaboration.
These forum events offer expert advice and instruction on both seasonal and general issues related either directly to the sport of angling or its natural environment. Presentations from qualified speakers representing organisations including the Angling Trust, Environment Agency, the Institute of Fisheries Management and many more, are always accompanied by Q&A opportunities for online delegates.
Historically, these sessions have explored fundamental topics such as funding opportunities, predation, biodiversity and fisheries management but, as an online resource, they offer an opportunity for immediate guidance on ANY angling topic or issue that may arise at any point in the calendar.
Individual sessions and details for registration are promoted on the Trust’s dedicated Fisheries Forum page on the official website and across the full range of the organisation’s social media channels.
Access to Forum events, discussions and workshops is unrestricted and available to any interested party involved in the sport of angling including; anglers, committee members and administrators, managers and owners. They are free to attend and membership of the Angling Trust is NOT a requirement of attendance.
Events are always scheduled to last no longer than 1.5 hours and their interactive nature provides an efficient and cost-effective opportunity to connect with key individuals from the comfort of your own environment.
The latest information on forthcoming Fisheries Forums and a library of previous topics is always available at: anglingtrust.net/forums/ or scan the QR code:
enVironMent teaM
Environment Team
The Angling Trust have four Environment Officers. Working in partnership with the Environment Agency and part-funded by fishing licence income, their role is aimed at assisting anglers, clubs and fisheries with biosecurity and invasive species management, as well as litter problems through our Anglers Against Litter campaign.
Invasive Species & Biosecurity
Invasive non-native species present a serious threat to angling. Through robust management and biosecurity however, the spread and impact of Invasive Non-Native Species can be mitigated. Our Environment Officers can assist your club or fishery every step of the way.
Who to contact
North: Ian Doyle | 07951 037091 ian.doyle@anglingtrust.net
South: Drew Chadwick | 07946 251826 andrew.chadwick@anglingtrust.net
South West: Alex van Wienen | 07301 0316033 alex.vanwienen@anglingtrust.net
Mark Egerton | 07415 384554 mark.egerton@anglingtrust.net
For more information visit: anglingtrust.net/invasive-nonnative-species/ or scan the QR code:
Anglers Against Litter
Anglers Against Litter is a nationwide campaign supported by Shimano and The Insurance Emporium to help rid our waterways of unsightly and environmentally damaging items of litter. Our Environment Officers can provide you with all the necessary tools and information to help organise a litter pick on your waters.
In addition, we’ve teamed up with Shimano to offer angling clubs free litter picking kits. If you are on the committee of an angling club and your club is willing to commit to at least two litter picks a year, you can apply for a kit which include Hi Vis vests and litter pickers. To register your interest please email emily.smith@anglingtrust.net
For more information visit: anglingtrust.net/get-involved/ anglers-against-litter/ or scan the QR code:
Fisheries ManaGeMent adVisors
Fisheries Management Advisors
Following the Angling Trust’s campaign to persuade the Government to take action on avian predation, two full-time Fisheries Management Advisors (FMAs) are employed by the Trust to help clubs and fisheries protect fish from cormorants and goosanders.
Working in partnership with the Environment Agency and funded by fishing licence income, the FMAs have assisted fishery managers on rivers and lakes not only with licence applications, but with practical advice about measures to help tackle unsustainable avian predation by using innovative techniques such as the use of lasers and lifelike mannequins to deter birds, as well as exclusion tactics and fish refuge.
The FMAs also advise fishery managers on how to protect their fisheries from otter predation, including advice about fencing. They are also licensed by Natural England to trap and remove otters that are trapped within otter-fenced still water fisheries.
Who to contact
Richard Bamforth covers the North West, North East, Yorkshire and Humber, Lincolnshire, East Midlands and West Midlands, and can be contacted on 07904 041581 or richard.bamforth@anglingtrust.net
How our FMAs can help your Club or Fishery
Our Fisheries Management Advisors can help you protect your fishery from predation with site visits and bespoke advice on:
Improving refuge for fish from predators
Modern, effective non-lethal scaring methods
Individual & Area based cormorant control licence applications
Coordination of action through Area based licences
Monitoring bird numbers and evidencing the impacts of predation
Jake Davoile covers South East, South West, London, South Midlands and Eastern Region, and can be contacted on 07949 703206 or jake.davoile@anglingtrust.net
Protecting fisheries against otters
The legal and humane trapping and removal of otters from fenced fisheries
For more information visit: anglingtrust.net/fma/ or scan the QR code:
Fisheries enForCeMent support serViCe
Fisheries Enforcement Support Service
The Fisheries Enforcement Support Service is a partnership between the Angling Trust and Environment Agency and is funded by fishing licence income.
The FESS operates the Voluntary Bailiff Service across England and supports the police and Environment Agency in protecting fish and fisheries from poachers and thieves, and to increase rod licence compliance.
Through its Regional Enforcement Support Managers – all retired police officers – it can also provide expert advice to clubs and fisheries on fisheries crime prevention.
The Angling Trust has listened carefully to the concerns of anglers, angling clubs, fishery owners and managers, and in partnership with the Environment Agency has devised a very clear vision and strategy to tackle the issues.
What the FESS do
Coordinates a multi-agency, partnership approach to fisheries crime and compliance
Raises awareness of fisheries crime throughout the police service, Crown Prosecution Service and Magistrates’ Association
Helps advise the police and Environment Agency and helps put things right should the service fall short
Increases incoming intelligence and sharing of that information
Upskills the angling community through Fisheries Enforcement Workshops and provides expert advice to angling clubs and fisheries
Delivers the Voluntary Bailiff Service throughout England, empowering anglers to contribute to fisheries enforcement
Delivers the Building Bridges Project, aimed at the education and integration of migrant anglers
Who to contact
buildinG bridGes
The Building Bridges project has made huge progress towards the successful integration of migrant angling communities in England, providing positive education and advice to help anglers understand our angling laws and customs.
The Building Bridges team assist and support angling clubs and fisheries by translating their rules into different languages and offering free multi-lingual signage and leaflets.
Working together with key partners and clubs, our staff host integrated angling events, bringing together anglers from different countries and cultures in addition to organising school visits and coaching days, giving many youngsters from diverse backgrounds an introduction to fishing in the UK.
Building Bridges staff also contribute to Voluntary Bailiff Service training and Fisheries Enforcement Workshops.
Building Bridges is part of the Fisheries Enforcement Support Service which works with the Environment Agency and is funded by fishing licence income.
Over 10 years of activity, our Building Bridges team have:
Produced and delivered over 3,000 multi-lingual signs
Produced and delivered 80,000 multi-lingual leaflets
Visited over 30 schools
Coached over 1,000 children
Building Bridges
anGlers aGainst pollution
Get Involved: Anglers Against Pollution
The Angling Trust has been campaigning for clean waters since 1948 and our Anglers Against Pollution campaign seeks to give anglers a voice in the fight to protect fish, fishing and the environment.
Our waterways are suffocating from all forms of pollution – from agricultural runoff to plastics, chemical pesticides to raw sewage. We urge anglers, clubs and fisheries to get involved in our Anglers Against Pollution campaign and support our demands for healthy rivers, lakes, canals and seas, full of fish and abundant wildlife.
The Water Quality Monitoring Network (WQMN) was launched in May 2022 as part of our Anglers Against Pollution campaign to harness the power of angling clubs and anglers to understand the quality of water
How to get involved in water monitoring
across England and Wales and to establish a solid foundation of data. That data will be used to better understand the factors affecting water quality and provide the Angling Trust with evidence to support our campaigns for cleaner waters.
Volunteers test for – and record – a range of parameters that are of concern to anglers, especially those nutrients (nitrate and phosphate) that contribute to enrichment, eutrophication, and the formation of algal blooms which have a detrimental impact on invertebrates and fish.
The WQMN initiative is supported financially by Orvis UK. If your club would like to get involved, please contact aap@anglingtrust.net
To find out more about the Anglers Against Pollution campaign visit: anglingtrust.net/get-involved/anglers-against-pollution/ or scan the QR code:
help to run our CoMpetitions
Help to run our Competitions
The Angling Trust’s lively competitions calendar is a busy one each season, offering the chance for all anglers to fish against other individuals and clubs on a national scale.
From our famous Division 1 and 2 Nationals, and float and feeder championships to qualifier-based events such as Riverfest, Fish O’ Mania, Boddington Classic, Winter League and SilverFish, there are competitions for men, women, veterans, juniors, youths, and those with disabilities.
We take in a wide variety of venues with competitions staged on rivers, large and narrow canals, and many of the best stillwater and commercial fisheries in the country.
Clubs and fisheries can get involved, too. Could your club or fishery host a National, qualifier or final? Do your members want to get involved in running amazing events?
We’re looking for clubs, fisheries and a dynamic group of volunteers to help shape the competitions we run each season – and we’d love you to be part of it.
To find out more email competitions@anglingtrust.net
Angling Trust Team Competitions
Division 1 National
Division 2 National Team Commercial National Feeder National
Float National Junior & Youth National Winter League
Angling Trust Individual Competitions
Anglers with Disabilities National
Ladies National
Individual National Masters & Veterans Nationals
Riverfest
Boddington Classic
Fish O’ Mania
SilverFish
British Pike Championships
Canal Pairs
To find out more about all our coarse, sea and game competitions, visit the Competitions section of the Angling Trust website: anglingtrust.net or scan the QR code:
